Member Article

Stockport’s Merseyway is ‘top of the shops’ according to occupancy poll

Merseyway shopping centre in Stockport is outperforming its rival North West shopping centres in terms of occupancy levels, according to new research by property consultancy, Bilfinger GVA.

The shopping centre located in Stockport and managed by Bilfinger GVA, jointly topped the occupancy poll with 8 units vacant out of 95, giving it a vacancy rate of just 8%.

The Arcades in Ashton-under-Lyne had an equal vacancy rate of 8%, with 3 of its 37 units vacant.

The research, which compared Merseyway’s occupancy levels to similar shopping centres across Greater Manchester, also revealed Rochdale’s the Wheatsheaf Centre has a vacancy rate of 44% with 12 vacant units out of 27 while Town Square in Oldham has a vacancy rate of 25%, with 8 units vacant out of 32.

Director of property agents Bilfinger GVA and managing agent of Merseyway, Jacqueline O’Shea, said: “In the fast moving world of retail, occupancy levels fluctuate, however this new research which was conducted last month demonstrates the strength of the current retail offer at Merseyway.

“In recent months, we’ve seen some of the high street’s biggest brands including Topshop and Waterstones demonstrate their commitment to Merseyway and the town of Stockport through the renewal of their leases.

“Santander opened its new branch at the centre this week and with further renewals in the pipeline and several new lettings close to completion, it’s a very positive time for the centre.

“That said, we still have eight empty units at the centre but remain confident that our strive for maximum occupancy will be realised with further lettings to local and national retailers before the end of the year.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .